Snow and freezing temperatures cause chaos for transport and schools

HUNDREDS of schools were closed and travellers suffered road, rail and air chaos today as the big freeze continued to grip Scotland.

HUNDREDS of schools were closed and travellers suffered road, rail and air chaos today as the big freeze continued to grip Scotland.

Heavy show and sub-zero temperatures saw schools across the country shut on what should have been the first day back after the festive break.

Police urged motorists to stay off the roads as cars became stuck in snow and dozens of vehicles were involved in accidents.

And there was no sign of any respite as forecasters warned the low temperatures will continue overnight.

The freezing temperatures hit all parts of Scotland today.

The A9 trunk road to the Highlands was closed at the Slochd and Drumochter snow gates, making the road from Inverness to Aviemore impassable.

A spokeswoman for Northern Constabulary said a large number of vehicles - into "double figures" - were stuck in the snow but some had been helped.

In the Grampian area the A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road was closed in both directions at Huntly and passable only with extreme care between Keith and Elgin.

A spokesman for the force said there had been more than a dozen collisions and advised drivers to take extreme care.

Central Scotland Police chief constable Kevin Smith, chair of road policing with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, said: "The weather conditions which are being experienced across the United Kingdom at present are the worst in 20 years and driving is extremely difficult and dangerous.

"Our advice is to consider very carefully if your journey is absolutely necessary. If you must drive then ensure that you and your car are adequately prepared for the journey ahead."

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said: "Police up and down the country have been working hard to ensure motorists are safe during the severe cold weather and it's hard to believe some drivers are still taking risks on the roads.

"I would urge everyone who has to drive over the next few days to listen to police advice and take the necessary precautions."

ScotRail said train services between Inverness and Aberdeen were suspended due to the severe weather.

Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports all had flights disrupted by the snow.

Aberdeenshire schools were shut today and will remain closed tomorrow because of the freezing weather.

Bruce Robertson, director of education, learning and leisure for Aberdeenshire Council, said: "The decision to close schools isn't one that is taken lightly but the health and safety of staff and pupils isour key priority.

"In particular, the availability of transport and road conditions is a major factor in such decisions."

In South Lanarkshire 25 primary schools were closed, and in Fife 26 schools and council-run nurseries were closed.

Thirty-seven schools in Aberdeen were closed or partially closed, and in Perth and Kinross three schools were closed and two were partially closed.

Scottish Borders Council said all their schools were closed today and will remain closed tomorrow.

Dumfries and Galloway Council said some of their schools will reopen tomorrow.

Councils also received further supplies of salt and grit today after fears yesterday that some stocks were running low.

Councillor Hugh Hunter, leader of South Ayrshire Council, said:"This council has utilised almost 3,000 tonnes of salt and grit since Friday December 18, which is nearly half the total amount usedthroughout the entire winter maintenance period (October-May) last year and shows just how much work is being undertaken by our roads teams.

"These employees have been out in the severest of conditions to ensure our roads are safe and we should all appreciate that."

Highland Council said it has used 30,000 tonnes of salt in three weeks - half of the total amount normally used for the whole year.

A delivery of 3,000 tonnes of salt arrived at Inverness Harbour this morning and a similar delivery is expected at the weekend.

Councillor John Laing said: "This is an extraordinary spell of weather: the worst since 1978."

Clare Allen, a forecaster for MeteoGroup, the weather divisionof the Press Association, said: "Temperatures tonight are not expected to go above zero. Temperatures will drop to between minus 7C and minus9C in the Highlands.

"The eastern side of the Scottish Borders is where the snow showers will be up to Edinburgh.

"Elsewhere it will be dry with the risk of the odd shower."

British Waterways Scotland also urged people to take care near canals, and said: "No one should walk on frozen waters under any circumstances, no matter how tempting this may be."